NEWS  Android  December 1, 2023  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

In a recent announcement, DJI, the leading drone manufacturer, has declared its decision to cease support for the development of third-party apps on Apple's iOS platform. The company, known for its innovative drones, is now encouraging businesses and developers to transition to Google's Android platform for app development.

The move comes as a culmination of a series of setbacks for DJI's iOS Mobile Software Development Kit (MSDK) team. While the discontinuation of new drones being added to the iOS MSDK was anticipated, DJI surprised the community with a post-dated announcement of the shift. Alongside iOS, DJI clarified that it would no longer support Windows SDK and Onboard SDK.

The DJI MSDK serves as a crucial tool for developers, offering streamlined access to the functionalities of DJI drones. By handling lower-level functions like flight stabilization, battery management, and signal transmission, it empowers third-party developers to concentrate on integrating drones into applications without delving into the intricacies of robotics and embedded systems.

DJI's decision impacts third-party flight planning and drone management apps, including popular ones like Litchi and Maven. The company has not released new versions for the iOS MSDK, with recent drones like the Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro exclusively receiving Android MSDK support.

The official statement from DJI, released on Nov. 29, states:

"In order to continue providing you with a better development experience and technical support services, DJI will now stop updating certain SDKs."

The announcement reassures developers that technical support services will remain unaffected, and DJI will continue offering high-quality products and improved services.

It's important to note that this development solely impacts third-party applications, and DJI's in-house flight app for iOS, DJI Fly, remains available on the Apple App Store. DJI emphasizes that the decision aims to enhance the development experience and technical support for users while recommending alternative solutions for ongoing development efforts.

As DJI shifts its focus towards Android, the drone industry will likely see changes in the landscape of third-party applications and innovations centered around DJI's drone technology. Developers are urged to reach out to DJI's developer technical support for any questions or concerns regarding the transition.

 COVER IMAGE BY WIRESTOCK ON FREEPIK/REVIEW SPACE